Academy of Art University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Landscape Architecture

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
• Demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the thesis project
• Produce a comprehensive project that contributes to the design community, demonstrating advanced landscape architecture planning and design skills

Design Proposals

• Demonstrate command of the key principles, systems, and elements of design that inform two- and three-dimensional planning and design as well as composition
• Make effective and appropriate planning and design choices at a variety of scales
• Produce defensible planning and design proposals

Research and Design Process

• Produce comprehensive site inventory research and analysis
• Integrate findings from the site inventory and analysis to develop appropriate planning and design proposals
• Display working knowledge of the historical influences and theoretical principles of landscape planning and design
• Incorporate appropriate public policy, law, codes, and standards in the planning and design process
• Natural Systems: Identify the indigenous natural systems, components, and processes found on a given site and incorporate findings into planning and design proposals
• Human & Social Factors: Demonstrate understanding of the diverse needs, values, and customs of the communities and individuals active at the site by incorporating findings into planning and design proposals

Design Development

• Evaluate and select materials that will enhance the qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements
• Demonstrate an understanding of site development and site engineering as appropriate to the site design (grading, drainage, planting design, and hardscape development)
• Apply principles and strategies of sustainability to planning and design decisions

Communication Skills

• Consolidate research and present ideas in concise and convincing verbal, written, and graphic presentations
• Utilize appropriate media, including computer graphics and freehand drawing to communicate the thinking process and planning and design proposals

Professional Readiness

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating technical and problem-solving skills that reflect professional expectations
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of landscape architecture on the stewardship of the environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues involved in landscape architectural planning, design, and practice

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

• Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
• Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
• Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
• Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
• Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
• Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
• Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help accelerate your future landscape architecture career. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your chosen profession. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring landscape architects with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.

Landscape Architect

As a landscape architect, you'll analyze, plan, design, and implement natural as well as built environments of all scales. Design and plan the restoration of disturbed natural places and systems such as stream corridors, wetlands, forested areas, and mines.

Garden Designer

As a garden designer, you'll be responsible for planting, irrigation, and some hardscape design for residences and estates, Work with other designers and staff to create a holistic vision of urban spaces in this exciting career.

Landscape Designer

Working with the landscape architect, the designer helps with planning, design, management, and stewardship of natural and built environments.

Environmental Planner

As a regional and environmental planner, you'll be responsible for land use analysis, planning, zoning, and infrastructure as well as the analysis, design, and restoration of ecological systems. Help improve our parks and recreation areas in this important and fulfilling career path.

Landscape Renderer

Landscape renderers are responsible for the creation of drawings, plans, elevations, perspectives, and axonometric to communicate design intent and the spatial experience.

Master Planner

Abstract an idea in spatial forms as a master planner. You'll envision and design large-scale communities and lead the design process from conception to final construction.

Planting Designer

Create a planting designer based on site analysis, concept, and horticultural possibilities as a planting designer. You'll use plants in a creative and sustainable way to design projects at various scales.

Urban Designer

Responsible for the design or redesign of existing urban spaces, the urban designer crafts unique and usable apices for the public. Revitalize existing amenities, or create new physical connections in this unique and inspiring career path.

Urban Strategist

As an urban strategist, you'll develop strategies to improve underutilized urban sites to improve social impact. Urban strategists and typically landscape architects, designers, or urban designers looking to create a behavioral and social impact in urban environments.

Unit Requirements

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
• A minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
  • 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
  • 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course

Curriculum

Semester 1

• LAN 605: Drawing as Process (Major)
• LAN 609: Ecological Foundations of Design 1 (Major)
• LAN 610: Landscape Architecture Design Studio (Major)

Semester 2

• IAD 608: Digital Imaging (Major)
  Recommended for summer
• LAN 617: Site Engineering (Major)
• LAN 619: Site Inventory & Analysis (Major)
• LAN 620: Site Design Studio (Major)

Semester 3

• LAN 607: Historical Precedents of Landscape Architecture (Major)
• LAN 660: Designing Public Spaces Studio (Major)
• LAN 665: Digital Graphics for Landscape Architecture (Major)

Semester 4

• LAN 670: Regional Planning Studio (Major)
• LAN 678: People & the Environment (Major)
• LAN 679: Advanced Landscape Graphics (Major)

Semester 5

• LAN 680: Site Planning & Sustainable Design Studio (Major)
• LAN 683: Landscape Architectural Construction Documents (Major)
• LAN 688: Emerging Topics & Research Methods (Major)
• LAN 699: MS: Special Topics: The World of Plants (Major)

Semester 6

• GR 700: MA Portfolio Seminar (Major)
• LAN 700: Professional Practice for Landscape Architecture (Major)
• LAN 800: Directed Study (Directed Studies)
• LAN 810: Thesis Development (Directed Studies)